World Weather, Climate, and Society Projects |
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Moscow, Russia Randa Capponi, Casey McCarthy, Justin Smith Welcome to Moscow, Russia
Current Climate and the Possible Effects of KYOTO Moscow is located at 55.55'of northern latitude and 37.37' and it is 512 feet above sea level. It is in the center of the Eastern-European plain in Russia. It has a continental climate, which means that the summer time is hot while the winter is very cold. The hottest months are July and August with temperatures ranging from a cool 45 F to the occasional hot and humid day in the 90’s F. Winter ho we ver, is drastically different, with little daylight. The sun is only out for 6 to 7 hours on the shortest day of the year, December 21. The first snow fall is usually in October and by the middle of November the ground is usually completely covered in snow. January is the coldest month with temperatures getting as low as 3 F and only a high of 15 F. Winters and Summers are drastically different in temperatures, with the lo we st recorded temperature of -33 F and the highest of 95 F. The average precipitation is rather moderate at 29 inches per year, mostly falling in the form of snow. The storms are not usually the major cause of concern or deaths ho we ver. The freezing temperatures are the greatest cause of death due to we ather, with about 300 recorded deaths last year alone due to cold.
Although the cold is a great concern and the drastic differences bet we en summer and winter is often large, it is something else that dominates the news in Russia about climate. It is that Russia was the host of this year’s World Climate Change Conference. Meetings lasted from September 9 th till October 3 rd. The greatest thing that came from the conference regarding Russia was Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to ratify the KYOTO Protocol, and his decision has been the topic of debate for the past few we eks and will be for month, if not year. By joining Russia allows the protocol to go into affect. Successfully reaching the desired goal of including as many countries it needed to reach at least 55% of 1990 GHG emission. They we re able to reach this amount even without the involvement of the worlds leading GHG producer in the United States who accounts for 37% of the world’s greenhouse gas emission. Russia ’s decision to join KYOTO has many thoughts and arguments about what affects this will have on the Russian economy and what influence, if any, it will have on global warming. The views about the affects Russia will face from joining KYOTO can be vie we d in two ways. First, that joining will increase foreign investments, and secondly, that the long-run affects will harm the Russian economy greater than it will help in the attempt to prevent global warming. Russia ’s current position is drastically below the mark that it must reach in the “first commitment” period; ho we ver the thoughts of economic advisor Andrei Illarionov have proven to be discerning to say the least. The positive effects of ratifying KYOTO seem to out we igh the ideas of staying out of the treaty. Russia is currently 32% bellow their 1990 totals of greenhouse gas emissions, which they must decrease by 5% bet we en 2008 and 2012. The excess percentages that Russia, or any country, does not use are given back to Russia in terms of pollution allowances. These allowances can then be traded to other countries that are unable to make the 5% cut in GHG emissions. With the first commitment period being only five years, it doesn’t look as though Russia will have trouble reaching its 5% cut; it actually looks as though they will have a significant amount to spare. This will induce a boost in the economy and trade with foreign countries. It has proven significantly important to the EU that Russia decided to join. The EU is currently 8% above their targeted goal and will most likely spend billions of dollars on permits from Russia. Ho we ver, there is also the side that many people, including Russia’s Presidential Economic Advisor Andrei Illarionov, that say joining KYOTO will not only hurt the economy but has little proof of actually preventing or slowing global warming. Illarionov and other Kyoto critics dismissed such possible benefits as nothing more than an illusion, saying that although Russia's emissions have fallen 32% since 1990 and the country is allo we d to stick to its 1990 level, the industrial development would soon leave Russia without any excessive emission quota to sell to others under the Kyoto-sponsored trading scheme. Illarionov we nt on to say; "Basically, none of the assertions made in the Kyoto Protocol and the'scientific' theory on which the Kyoto Protocol is based [have] been borne out by actual data." This has become a greater argument with more and more scientists discussing the fact that lo we ring anthropogenic pollutants such as CO2 has no concrete data or reasoning to reduce the effects of global warming. In an article published in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, explains how one of the fundamental scientific pillars of the Kyoto Accord is based on fla we d calculations, incorrect data and a biased selection of climate records. With all of these discrepancies it must make you wonder, is it truly the greenhouse gases and CO2 that is causing and increase in global temperature?
Whether KYOTO is correct or not, with Russia ’s decision we will be able too see what effects the decrease in GHG emission has on global warming. If there is a significant decrease in the global warming trend I feel you will see other countries such as the United States join KYOTO as we ll. It is not until this point will we be able to see the true effects that decreasing GHG emission will have on the environment. Climate & Economy Russia, though not completely unaffected by historical climatic events, has not suffered greatly from climate changes. In his book, Climate, History and the Modern World, H. H. Lamb notes that, “In Sweden most of the same pressures are registered as elsewhere in northern Europe, though less severely than in Norway or Russia (there seems no mistaking that northerly storms in the Norwegian Sea and the severity of the winters in Russia were prime aspects of the climatic deterioration)” (226). Lamb recognizes here that Russia – and certainly Moscow, though Moscow is at the western most part of Russia – was affected by what he calls “The Little Ice Age” but the region has always been noted as having severe winters. In addition to cold winters, Moscow also has surprisingly warm summers. The continental climate is responsible for 24 degree Celsius days during the summer. The climate in Moscow, Russia has stayed relatively consistent throughout the ages. Because of Moscow’s continental climate, there are significant temperature swings over the progression of each year. Today, unfortunately, Moscow is noted as having unpredictable weather conditions. The climate is classified as moderately continental. The “cold” period for Moscow spans 8 months from September to April and the snowiest period of the year spans 6 months from November to April. Not unlike Waterville, Maine, Moscow is covered in snow for at least half of the year. Most notable for long, sub-zero winters, the issue that Russia deals with most as a result of weather is heating oil. Coupled with a large fossil fuel exportation business, there is a high societal demand for oil. This dangerous combination makes for an unstable economy in Russia caused mainly by cold weather. The winter months have an adverse effect on the economy in Moscow. Russia is a haven for natural resources, but the terrain makes it difficult to make use of them. Resources include oil, natural gas and coal that are spread out in reservoirs across the nation. While there is an abundance of these resources the terrain ranges from vast coniferous forests and tundra to mountainous regions in the south, which makes it difficult to efficiently collect and use natural resources. As a result of climatic effects on natural resources, Moscow’s economy suffers. The climate in Russia forces the nation to rely on oil production, but the mining companies are poorly funded and lack environmentally sound mining practices. The severe air pollution in Russia can be attributed to poor environmental policy, and the Russian economy suffers as a result. The dependency on the exportation of oil also leaves Russia open to uncontrollable world market swings. Moscow, being the business center of Russia suffers most from these swings which affect living standards in the city. Russia’s GNP is relatively low and the population is very high, which causes difficulties for the people of Russia. Moscow’s struggling economy is a direct result of the harsh climate in Russia and because of over-dependency on oil and fossil fuels the city also has higher levels of health concerns. Severe weather is combined with heavy air pollution and a poor economy in Moscow which limits the city’s overall growth. Moscow is noted for respiratory health problems due to a number of factors, one being the poor environmental policies for factories. Russia is still recovering from the dominating era of the Soviet Union, an era marked by production rather than efficiency. The desire to keep up with the rest of the world, both militarily and economically, has left Moscow in a state of recovery. Ten years ago, it was said that the average age of death for people in arctic Russian villages did not exceed the late 40s. In Moscow, it is said that in 1994 3 out of 4 expectant mothers had some pathology in their pregnancy. Today, it is said that 1 in 5 Russian babies is born with serious health problems as a result of climatic issues. These health concerns are also part of a larger human-caused environmental issue: factory waste. Because of poor environmental policy, factories have been known to dump toxic waste in rivers, farms have used harmful chemicals that affect surrounding populations because of runoff, and the Russian military used to be suspected of dumping its toxic and nuclear waste into the sea. After a long transitional period, however, things are looking up for Moscow. With the recent ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, Moscow looks to cut down on its CO2 emissions significantly. The ratification is an important step for Russia, as the country accounts for a large portion of the world’s CO2 emissions. With the cut down of oil usage, Moscow may put less stress on the exportation of the natural resource thus leaving the country less vulnerable to the fluctuating oil economy. This will hopefully be the beginning of positive environmental change for Russia, which the population should notice in their day-to-day lives. If Moscow adheres to its new environmental policies, the weather may become a little more predictable. How climate has shaped Russian culture People and cultures are often shaped by the climate in which they live. It is quite evident that the cold Russian climate is reflected in Russian culture. Most of Russia receives a cold, harsh winter, a brief autumn, and a short, warm summer. The wind chill in winter can be very brutal. Their culture has adapted to these characteristics. This connection of culture and climate has been discussed for centuries. Ancient philosophers, historians, and geographers often discussed this idea. In 1719 Baptiste Abbe Du Bos produced a work entitled “Reflexions critiques sur la poesie et sur la peinture,” in which he discussed this connection (Fleming, 2003). Climate is reflected in Russian culture throughout their history, through their food and drink, and through their traditions and festivals. Due to the harshness of the climate Russians need to band together to survive. In prehistoric and pre-communist times Slavic tribal society was centered on the “zadruga,” meaning clan or extended family commune (Chapman, 1998). The “zadruga” overtime became the “mir,” meaning an agricultural village commune. Family huts were set up side-by-side adding to the “communal spirit.” This “communal spirit” is called “sobornost,” which is central to the Russian Orthodox Church (Chapman, 1998). Therefore, this overall togetherness of the Russian culture stems not only from the need to survive, but from religion as well. The harsh climate has also has an effect on shaping other Russian values. Russians value stability, security, social order, and predictability, avoiding risk ( Richmond, 1998). Climate is also reflected in the Russians traditional food and drink. The main influence of what the peoples of Russia have eaten over time has been the climate. Russians endure long and harsh winters. To survive these winters they consume food that serves to keep them warm. They eat a lot of carbohydrates, mostly in the form of bread. Rye is the most suitable crop to harvest in the short and unpredictable growing season. Therefore Russians consume a lot of bread made from rye. They also consume a lot of protein from the big game found in the vast forests and from the fish caught in the many rivers as well as from the sea. Potatoes, which were introduced to Russia from the west, also added to this cuisine of warming foods ( Russia , 2004). In the Nineteenth century the “zakuski table” became popular. It was used when entertaining guests and can be compared to the Swedish “smorgasboard.” Traditionally, upon arrival guests are greeted with a plethora of appetizers as well as with a shot of vodka to warm them up ( Russia , 2004). Vodka is also a staple in Russian culture. “It warms them in the cold, cools them in the summer heat” (Hellberg-Hirn, 1998). If you’d like to try to make some of these traditional Russian recipes for yourself check out this great website: Recipes 4 Us. Lastly, climate is reflected through many Russian traditions and festivals. It is evident that many of their holidays and festivals are centered on the beginning and ending of seasons in Russia. “To Russians, with their agricultural heritage, time is like the seasons - a time for sowing and a time for reaping, and a time for doing little in between ( Richmond, 1998). The oldest Russian festival is at the time when the long winter ends and it is time to begin sowing again. One of the biggest festivals in Russia is Maslenitsa. The Maslenitsa Festival also known, as “Shrovetide or Pancake Day,” is a winter carnival and feast the week prior to lent (Hellberg-Hern, 1998). This festival celebrates the end of winter and the coming of spring. In Moscow the winters are extremely harsh and severe. During the months of November, December, January, and February the temperature do not rise above the mid-30’s. They get snow from mid-November until April. February is the coldest month as temperatures often drop below zero degrees (F). It isn’t until March that they begin to see temperatures in the high 30’s and even high 40’s. This for them is cause to celebrate. This festival had not been celebrated since 1917 when it was brought back to life in 2002. It has been an annual event in Russia ever since (Festivals, 2004). This holiday is both Pagan and Christian. For Pagans it is known as the “Sun Festival” because with the end of winter also comes the gradual increase of sun during the day. For Christians, it is the week before Orthodox lent starts. This holiday is also very similar to Mardi Gras or Carnival. It is their chance to fill up on food before the period of fasting begins (Festivals, 2004).
Moscow’s climate and cultural history are very intertwined as seen in the way they live together, through their traditional cuisine and through their traditional festivals. Much of their culture has been shaped around their long, cold winter. Russian culture is un-like many other countries in the world and much of this has to do with the climate that they live in. Bibliography Conclusion As you have seen, Moscow’s culture, economy and societal trends are often results of Russia’s climate. While Moscow, as the business center of Russia, has suffered economically because of its continuing demand for and exportation of oil, the city has enjoyed a rich and unique culture which would not exist without the effects of climate. As shown, Moscow has recently ratified the Kyoto Protocol. This is an important step for Moscow. Because Moscow is a city that relies solely on oil and fossil fuels for its energy needs, it has been a leader in damaging CO2 emissions. Though long, harsh winters make Moscow’s land nearly impossible to farm, and heavy winds and snow keep the city’s population indoors, Moscow has managed to preserve its culture, which is unlike any other. Festivals mark the changes in weather and give the people something to look forward to during the long, hard months of winter. Moscow is a city long known for its cold winters and pollution, but it is a city in transition. With new environmental goals in mind, and immense cultural pride, Moscow, Russia may defeat the cold.
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Colby College | Science Technology & Society Department website design by Gerrit Lansing |
The most important symbol of the festival is the “Bliny,” a raised dough pancake that is eaten with butter, sour cream, caviar, or jam. It is made with butter, eggs, and milk. The drink of choice that accompanies these pancakes is of course vodka, and lots of it. It is traditional for Christians to eat these pancakes just before lent begins. The pancake is known to symbolize the sun because it is “warm, golden, and round” (Festivals, 2004).
In addition to the making and the eating of these pancakes, there are many other events that take place during this week. People go sledding using the traditional “troikas.” There is also dancing, singing, and performances. At the end of the week they burn the “scarecrow of winter” along with any other leftover pancakes. This officially marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It also marks the beginning of spring, lent, or the “fasting period” begins (Festivals, 2004).
